A man was asked to leave a Major League Soccer match at Energizer Park in St. Louis after wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, raising concerns over selective enforcement of venue rules and political bias at sporting events.
Michael Weitzel, the man involved, shared video footage of the incident online, stating:
“I have been asked to leave because of the Donald Trump hat.”
A man got kicked out of a @stlCITYsc game last night for wearing a MAGA hat. Security said they don’t allow political paraphernalia. Man then asked security what’s up with the constant pride flags and trans banners at the games. They didn’t like that either. pic.twitter.com/t0ZZ8b1QxF
— Gregg Keller (@RGreggKeller) August 2, 2025
Security: “We Don’t Allow Political Paraphernalia”
In the video, security staff told Weitzel the stadium does not allow political paraphernalia, stating the club is “non-political.” However, Weitzel pointed out pride and transgender flags on display in the crowd, asking why those were permitted if politics were banned.
A staffer replied, “Those were pre-approved.”
Notably, Energizer Park’s official rules ban political banners, but make no mention of political clothing or hats.
“If You Take the Hat Off, You Can Go Back In”
Security offered Weitzel a choice: remove the hat and return to his seat, or leave the premises.
“If you take the hat off you can go back in,” one staffer said.
Weitzel removed the hat briefly, asking for clarification. But someone off-camera replied, “We are way past that point,” prompting him to put the hat back on.
“So this is what happens when you wear a Donald Trump hat at a St. Louis City SC game,” Weitzel said, noting that the officer was just “following the rules.”
“Trump Not Welcome” at St. Louis Soccer?
As he was escorted out, Weitzel stated:
“Trump is not welcome in St. Louis City SC Club.”
The video sparked immediate backlash online. Gregg Keller, a political strategist, posted the video on X and wrote:
“Security said they don’t allow political paraphernalia. Man then asked security what’s up with the constant pride flags and trans banners at the games. They didn’t like that either.”
Team Remains Silent
As of Sunday morning, St. Louis City SC had not issued a statement on the incident. The club is currently ranked No. 14 in the MLS Western Conference.
